Clifford Ng explained the reasons for the move, saying: "BPYA and its association with Zhong Lun offer a very interesting opportunity ahead if one were to practice in China including Hong Kong. If one considers the future driver of the global economy to be China, then a Chinese firm is the way to go."

Before his role at K&L Gates, Ng was a partner at Preston Gates & Ellis, and he was previously been a consultant with Canadian law firm Stikeman Elliot.